Arsenal manager admits Jack Wilshere is “down” after England injury

The Gunners midfielder out for at least six weeks and could miss the 2014 World Cup

Jack Wilshere could be facing a race against time to be fit for Roy Hodgson’s 13 May deadline where the England manager will name a 23-man squad to represent the Three Lions in Brazil.

The Arsenal midfielder was caught by a heavy challenge from Daniel Agger during England’s 1-0 win against Denmark on Wednesday night, with Wilshere playing on for a further 50 minutes after insisting he was OK to continue.

However, scans on Thursday showed that the midfielder had suffered a hairline fracture to his left foot, with Wilshere now facing at least six weeks on the sidelines and it could be touch and go when it comes to recovering in time to make the World Cup.

Arsene Wenger admitted that Wilshere is “very down” at the moment and has allowed him a few days away from the club simply to focus on other things, with his foot in a cast for the time being.

Wenger said at a press conference on Friday morning: “I believe it (tackle) was accidental. Jack will be out for six weeks. It is a blow for him and for us, from now on we want to get him to recover and come back as quickly as possible and prepare for next season.

“You can only be very down, especially in the first days. He is in a boot and has gone away for a few days to get away from things and think about something else.”

Wilshere has an unfortunate history of long-term injuries which has hindered his career since he broke into the Arsenal first team, although the player has featured a great deal this season and will now be absent as the Gunners look to challenge for the Premier League title and FA Cup.

[…] and play in a team that could yet finish second in the league and retain the FA Cup. Wilshere has already overcome World Cup heartache and many other setbacks during his young career, but everyone at Arsenal will hope that he can put […]